Even if you don't have a vision problem, you should still seek out the assistance of an optometrist to provide you with an eye exam and vision exam every one to two years, as noted by the American Optometric Association (AOA). Pediatric patients and those with eye or vision problems need a screening annually. At McNeel Eye Center, serving Boise, Nampa, Meridian, Eagle, and the nearby Idaho region, we provide both vision and eye screenings to ensure the optimal level of eye and vision health in patients of all ages.

Patients We Serve

We serve patients of all ages starting at age six. However, the appointments for all ages vary greatly. Once a child reaches preschool age, our eye doctor starts examining the child's eyes for conditions like lazy eye and nearsightedness, both of which classify as common conditions for children to experience. An appointment for school-aged children examines the children's eyes and checks the child's vision since sight can have a huge impact on a child's education.

Our optometrist will also screen your child for refractive errors like astigmatism. After a person reaches 18, appointments still include a screening for eye problems and vision issues. As people get older, the likelihood to develop astigmatism increases. Once you reach 40 or older, you're more likely to develop cataracts, glaucoma, presbyopia, and macular degeneration.

Benefits of Annual Visits

Although some people only need to come into the optometrist every two years, most people need to come in once a year. Even if you're not one of these people, you could still benefit from an annual visit. While you may not notice a change in your vision, your prescription can change over the course of a few months. If you develop an eye problem such as a cataract, the best prognosis comes from getting the problem treated early.

What to Expect During a Visit

During a visit, you'll have your vision screen by looking into a lens and reading the letters you see. To check for refractive errors, you'll need to tell us which pictures look clearer in a series of images we show you. Our optometrist will use a specialized tool to look inside your eye to evaluate your eyes for health issues. We also conduct a test to check the pressure in your eyes.